If an exotic foreign holiday is a bit beyond your budget this year and you’re still digging around for something closer to home (that promises more than just the average Dutch holiday camp experience) then look no further; Esther O’Toole has dug up some hidden treasures for you.
For the original (and more great Dutch news stories; including features from Quint) check out the brilliant English language site www.dutchnews.nl
Family Novelties
Picture courtesy of Feather Down press dept.
Feather Down
Get unwired
and back in touch with a simpler way of living. Feather Down (in Dutch, Het
BoerenBed) has a variety of working farm locations geared up for guests who
still want comfort when they’re in the great outdoors. If you like to ‘rough
it’ in style then this is a great stop.
The
children can help fetch water and fire wood for your stove and enjoy the
novelty of sleeping in bed stays or looking after animals while you can still
be assured of a great tent that doesn’t leak, a comfy bed and hospitable
welcome. Special horse riding locations also available.
This is the English language version of their site, click on ‘locations’
for NL farms. Customer Service in Holland can of course help you in English on
0528 229440. From €455 for a weekend tent stay.
De Vreemde Vogel
If you’re
looking for something really quirky then De Vreemde Vogel has lots to offer. It’s in Vlaardingen between Rotterdam and the
beach at Hoek van Holland so a good place from which to explore the surrounding
area. From treehouses to olde gypsy wagons, sleeping in a reclaimed aircraft or
a giant birdhouse they pride themselves on variety and comfort. Prices vary from
about €155 for a weekend stay but all general information and contact details
in English can be found at the above address.
Stortemelk
If you’re
looking for a real getaway how about Vlieland? Tucked in behind the dunes on
this protected Wadden island is Stortemelk. It offers a variety of
accommodation including small attractive cottages and different types of
camping e.g. family and teen areas.
One thing
they don’t cater for, campervans, because you can’t take any vehicles onto the
island at all. For a real get back to nature feel this is a beautiful, untouched
and remote spot. Look at the site for
details of how to book the ferry from Harlingen to the island and how to hire a
‘baggage car’ to go on to the Stortemelk itself. Prices vary but tent hires
start at €630 for a week in the school holiday season.
Luxury and Romance
Dutchen Holiday Parks
Dutchen
promise unusual holiday homes, in small numbers, located at beautiful spots
throughout the country; complete with all luxury mod cons, including options
such as a sauna or Jacuzzi.
For
example, Weideduyn, has up to date luxury eco-cottages, lots of space from your
neighbours and a beautiful beach; Vlindervallei is in the middle of the Veluwe
woods, outdoorsy yet complete with spa and wellness facilities; at Baayvilla’s,
on the border between Groningen and Friesland, there are large houses with lots
of amenities for sea and sailing enthusiasts overlooking the sea of the
Lauwersmeer National Park.
Though
their website is only available in Dutch and German at the moment all customer
service workers speak English and can help you book. Prices upwards from €460 a
week, ask for details of where last minute discounts can be had.
De Verrekijker
If you want
to do it you can, sleep in a windmill, you can’t get much more ‘Nederlands’
than that. Beautiful and atmospheric mills can be hired for private holidays,
such as this near Gelderland, one of many good quality holiday homes to be
found on Belvilla. Prices for the Verrekijker from €943 Friday to Friday. If
you have special access needs do check whether this is suitable for you.
Castles from Bilderberg Hotels
Who doesn’t
want to sleep in a castle? Honestly, who? At least once let loose your inner
Romantic or sweep someone else away with a special castle B&B such as these
from Bilderberg Hotels located near Utrecht, Venlo and Maastricht. From €94 per
person per night.
Tugboat Willem
If you’re
over 18 years old and a water lover you could opt for an unusual stay for 1-2
people on Tugboat Willem; an original 1930’s working boat now transformed into
a lovely bed and breakfast. Moored at Zoutkamp near the village of De Marne you
will get a truly personalised trip. If you have special access needs do check
whether this is suitable for you; as a sailing ship it won’t be able to
accommodate wheelchair users unfortunately. Upwards from €80 per night per
person, for a stay of 1-7 nights including breakfast.
Budget
Camping Zeeburg, Amsterdam
In high
season hotel prices in the capital may price out many families and students so
why not try an alternative city break at Camping Zeeburg? Located in the old
harbour area to the east of town Camping Zeeburg offers you the chance to camp
out in the city. Be it overlooking the water in your own tent or campervan or
in one of their brightly coloured gypsy style ‘wagonettes’ or ‘eco-cabins’.
Good
amenities include fresh baguettes/croissants daily and free wifi across the
whole site. They’re located a short
distance from tram 26 which takes you into Amsterdam centre in about ten
minutes. Prices start at €25 a night for a 3 person tent spot, €105 a night for
a 3-4 person wagonette, to €115 a night for a 4 person eco-cabin, in high
season.
Cube Houses, Rotterdam
Another
alternative city stay can now be had in the famous Cube Houses in Rotterdam
which have been made into a Stay Ok Hostel; a great location from which to
explore the city. From €24.30 per night
for a bed in mixed sex shared room.
Cycling Tours
You’re in
the Netherlands so, get on your bike. All sorts of bike tour holidays including
biking between hotels, family biking and short breaks are available to suit
every pocket. All information you could possibly need about cycling in the
Netherlands can be found at Nederland Fietsland, the site of the official Dutch
organisation for recreational cycling (Nederlands Fietsplatform) this includes
maps, where you can hire bikes and a variety of
information on reputable tour operators.
